'I could see Benji' – Celtic manager explains why Iheanacho took decisive penalty

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has revealed why debutant Kelechi Iheanacho, rather than Benjamin Nygren, was entrusted with the decisive penalty in Sunday’s dramatic 2-1 win over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.

The Scottish champions were forced to dig deep after David Watson cancelled out Daizen Maeda’s opener with a second-half header. 

But in the sixth minute of stoppage time, Iheanacho stepped up to convert from the spot and secure three crucial points for Rodgers’ side.

The Nigeria international, who produced so much for Rodgers at Leicester City with 68 goal involvements (43 goals, 25 assists), repaid his manager’s faith with a composed finish on his first appearance in green and white.

Speaking to BBC Scotland after the match, Rodgers disclosed that Nygren had initially looked ready to take responsibility, but the decision was ultimately guided by trust in Iheanacho's pedigree.

"I could see Benji probably looking to take the penalty. But I know the guys on the pitch there," Rodgers said. 

"Kelechi Iheanacho was the one who was going to have that confidence to score and it will do him a world of good.

"Once Kelechi gets his fitness up, he’ll really contribute for us."

Iheanacho reunited with Rodgers this month following a testing spell at Sevilla, and his impact was immediate. 

His winning strike not only extended Celtic's unbeaten start but also opened a nine-point gap over rivals Rangers, just five games into the Premiership campaign.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit: celticfc.com 

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